Celebration of Diwali and worship of Goddess Kali
The festival of Diwali is celebrated with great pomp every year in India. While in most places Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped on this day, in West Bengal this night is something special. Mother Kali is worshiped here on the occasion of Diwali. If you want to experience something new this Diwali, then you can consider going on a trip to Bengal.
Importance of Kali Puja in Bengal
In Bengal, Diwali is known as 'Kali Puja' or 'Shyama Puja'. On the new moon night of Kartik month, instead of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Kali is worshipped. Grand pandals are decorated on this night and special pujas are organized at midnight. Let us know what is the importance of worshiping Maa Kali on this night in Bengal.
Why is Goddess Kali worshipped?
The tradition of worshiping Goddess Kali in West Bengal is centuries old, which is also called 'Shyama Puja'. According to religious belief, on the new moon night of Kartik month, Mother Kali had destroyed the demon Raktabeej and other evils. On this night, Maa Kali is worshiped as a symbol of the victory of good over evil and protection of the world.
reverence for Maa Kali
There is deep respect for women power and Mother Kali in the culture of Bengal. She is considered the goddess who protects from all difficulties. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Kali on this night eliminates negative energy and removes life's problems. On Diwali night, people come to the pandals for darshan and special rituals continue till late night.
Akhand Deepak during Kali Puja
On the occasion of Kali Puja, a new idol of Maa Kali is installed. The main attraction of this puja is the special aarti performed at midnight. During the puja, 'Akhand Deepak' is lit in front of the idol of the mother, which keeps burning continuously during the puja. People light lamps and seek blessings from Mother Goddess for happiness, peace and security.